66. Mr. MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the crofter-fishermen at Sandwick Parks, Isle of Lewis, were regarded as agricultural holders when these holdings were created; whether the holdings are still regarded by the Scottish Department of Agriculture as agricultural holdings; and, if so, whether he will take action to protect the rights of these crofter-fishermen as agricultural tenants against unjust assessments?
§ Mr. ElliotThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. In the particulars of the scheme at Sandwick Parks issued to applicants in March, 1932, the subjects were described by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland as "building sites to be let to bona fide fishermen." The incidence of probable rating was also explained. I observe that unsuccessful appeal has been made to the competent rating authority who 995 took the view that the subjects were nonagricultural. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
Mr. MacMillanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that once again in this matter, owing to the uncertainty prevailing, many people are being penalised in a way which they did not anticipate when they were settled as agricultural tenants, because they are not now regarded as agricultural tenants, their houses are being assessed separately, and they do not receive the benefit of de-rating as big farmers do?
§ Mr. ElliotI do not think the hon. Member could have listened fully to my reply. These subjects do not relate to agriculturists, but to fishermen.